Manuel’s Path to Greater Independence

Manuel, a 20-year-old student living with his parents was referred to Becky, a DOR Work Incentive Planner (WIP) , by his school district’s employment specialist. While Manuel manages his own SSI benefits, his father provides ongoing support and joined meetings with the help of a Spanish-speaking DOR Rehabilitation Counselor, who provided translation services to keep him informed throughout the process.

During the review of Manuel’s Social Security Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) , Becky discovered that his living arrangement had been reported incorrectly, resulting in a lower SSI payment each month. Manuel was also participating in paid work experience while attending school. Becky explained SSI rules and work incentives and recommended that Manuel apply for the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) . SEIE helps students under age 22 exclude up to $2,410 per month (up to $9,730 per year in 2026) from earned income, helping them keep the full SSI payment and Medi-Cal coverage while working.

With help from his school, Manuel gathered his records and submitted them to his local SSA office to request SEIE. Becky also guided Manuel and his father in creating a simple rental agreement, which they provided to SSA as proof of his living arrangement. As a result, Social Security approved both the SEIE and corrected his living arrangement, increasing his monthly SSI payment to the maximum amount and allowing him to keep his full SSI payment while working.

This success story shows how collaboration between the student, family, school staff, Work Incentive Planner and Rehabilitation Counselor can lead to meaningful outcomes. With the right planning and support, people with disabilities can build skills, earn income, and work toward financial independence.

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